Rumor: Microsoft's Considering Building a Disc-Less Xbox One for Release in 2019

A recent rumor suggests that Microsoft is considering a new Xbox One SKU that removes the disc drive as a cost-reducing measure.

As reported by Thurrott, this console would very much be part of the Xbox One family of devices and not the next-generation group of hardware that could compose Scarlett. This rumored Xbox One is expected to be released sometime in 2019, possibly as early as spring, and sell for $200 or less. The rumor also maintains that any Scarlet consoles would end up coming later, sometime in 2020.

Exit Theatre Mode

A revised Xbox One S SKU is also rumored to be in development, retaining a disc drive while allowing Microsoft to sell the hardware at a reduced rate by adjusting other components. This suggest the Xbox One X family would then be comprised of three hardware units: Xbox One X, Xbox One S and the rumored disc-less Xbox One.

Another part of the rumor involves Microsoft opening up a “disc-to-digital” program that lets players who already own Xbox One games on disc to take them to participating retailers (the Microsoft store is specifically mentioned) to trade the physical copy in for a digital download.

Exit Theatre Mode

Keep in mind, all of this is heavily-rumored, and no official word has come from Microsoft on any new Xbox One SKU.